The Hornets Dismiss Their Manager Following a 10-Match Stint and Reappoint Former Boss as Manager

Watford Football Club have made the decision to end their manager's contract after just a brief period and 10 games in charge, announcing the return of former boss Javi Gracia as his successor.

It is understood that Pezzolano, who was hired in May to replace the interim manager, along with his technical staff, were instructed not to lead training on midweek as speculation about his imminent departure mounted on the previous day.

The 40-year-old was called to a meeting where he was named the 11th head coach the club have let go since the start of 2020.

"We are very pleased to welcome back Gracia," said Watford's chairman and CEO. "His enthusiasm, leadership and well-defined plan will help us build stability, unity and positive energy.

"We believe many fans who hoped Gracia had stayed on in the past. With this talented team, we are certain his know-how and qualities are precisely what we need now."

Gracia previously led Watford to the FA Cup final for the only other occasion in their history in that year, but was sacked a few matches into the next season and most recently coached at Leeds United in last year.

"For me, the feeling I have right now is that I'm returning to a familiar place. It was the happiest period of my professional life," he remarked. "I have fond recollections and we have loose ends at Watford. For us, it's a further significant move in our career.

"This is something special for us, and simultaneously we are highly motivated for this season. If we are united, we are stronger."

The decision to remove Pezzolano arrives despite the team's win against Oxford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, which moved them to eleventh place in the second tier after a difficult opening that earned five points from the initial six matches.

The Uruguayan is reportedly left disappointed by the decision to sack him, having led Watford to a undefeated streak of three games that also included a home win over Hull and a draw at Portsmouth, leaving them three points off the promotion playoffs.

The coach joined soon after the end of the previous campaign with a strong record of guiding teams to promotion in Spain, South America and Uruguay.